II. The Impact of Her

~ Thirty ~

Back in my quarters, I made myself comfortable as I read once more.

My back rested upon the headboard, with a few pillows behind my back to keep myself supported. Elizabeth was no longer in my room when I returned. Perhaps, she joined James for dinner. So, I was more than ecstatic to have some peace.

However, my door opened and upon looking, Elizabeth was here again.

"Hello, dear sister."

"Oh, hello, little brother," she smiled as she closed the door, "I didn't know you were already back." She was about to walk towards me when she froze. Her eyes landed on my hands. "Am I seeing this clearly? Is that a book in your hands?" she asked, amazed and in disbelief.

"Unfortunately, yes," I smiled proudly. "This book has proven me wrong. Everything I perceive about reading is completely removed by this," I explained as she approached me.

"Well then, I couldn't be more proud of you, dear one," Elizabeth smiled as she sat beside me. "You finally have something better to do, other than being locked inside your study, handling reports."

"And it's all thanks to you," I replied as I gently poked her arm. "Anyways, where have you been?" I asked as I put the book on my bedside table. "When I got here, you already left."

She then sighed. The enthusiasm, the happiness, the thrill of excitement on her face was instantly replaced by worry. "I visited Mother... and I didn't like what I saw. She looked more and more ill as each day passed. I don't believe that this fever of hers is simply that. I fear that this may be something else. One that is fatal for her," Elizabeth explained.

I put my hand on hers, gently rubbing them with my thumb. I carried the same sentiments as Elizabeth. From the very beginning, I never believed that it was only a fever. And the Medicine King confirmed that to me. I didn't think Mother had disclosed it to Elizabeth. But I understood why she didn't want to tell us. Mother didn't want us to worry.

And I would love to share my thoughts with Elizabeth. But, if Mother hasn't told her anything yet then I shouldn't either.

"Shouldn't we hope for the best instead of the worst?" I asked in an attempt to comfort her. "You're the one who keeps reminding me that."

"Oh, Robert, I tried to think of other reasons why Mother is ill. But, I can't think of anything but bad. Ever since she became sick, I already feared for the worst," Elizabeth answered. Fear was now evident in her face.

I sat up and moved closer to her, holding her in my arms. Elizabeth might be the eldest child. But that didn't mean I didn't protect her with everything that I had.

"Every single one of us fears the worst for Mother. I may not show it but I think about her condition all the time," I answered as I comforted her. I continued, "I can't show it because she will worry even more. And I don't want that. All we can do is to be strong for her - be strong with her - and pray that whatever illness that she currently has will end soon."

"How can I be strong when the person giving me strength is weak?" she asked again, this time, a tear fell from her eye. She continued, "Mother has always been my source of courage. She is the rock that keeps me steady and firm. To see her in such a condition, a state where she can't even sit properly, it's too much for me. It's tearing me apart. As more days pass by, as I continue to see her like that, I grow weaker alongside her."

With a sigh, she shook her head and added, "I don't know what to do anymore."

I understood why Elizabeth had such a strong bond with Mother. As a princess, she spent most of her time with her. She learned Mother's ways and watched Mother as she fulfilled her duties as Queen.